At Keefe Law Firm, we are dedicated to holding corporations accountable when they threaten public health and our environment. For decades, municipalities across the country have faced a growing crisis caused by Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), a chemical firefighting foam containing toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are notorious for their persistence in the environment and ability to contaminate municipal water sources. Communities affected by PFAS contamination must now grapple with the serious health and environmental consequences of these “forever chemicals.”
Keefe Law Firm is proud to support municipalities and public water authorities as they seek justice and pursue the resources necessary to protect their residents from the dangers of AFFF contamination. Our legal team has extensive experience in environmental litigation, and we are committed to helping towns, cities, and water suppliers hold polluters accountable.
What is AFFF and Why Is It Dangerous?
AFFF is a foam developed to rapidly extinguish fires fueled by flammable liquids such as petroleum, gas, and jet fuel. Because of its effectiveness, AFFF has been widely used by the military, airports, and fire departments nationwide. However, the PFAS chemicals that make AFFF effective are also what make it hazardous. These chemicals are highly resistant to breaking down in natural environments, meaning they persist in water, soil, and even human tissue indefinitely.
When AFFF is used, PFAS chemicals often leach into groundwater and surface water, contaminating municipal water supplies and impacting entire communities. Many municipalities are now faced with water supplies tainted by these toxic chemicals, creating a health crisis for residents who rely on public water systems for their daily needs.
Health Risks Linked to PFAS Contamination in Water Supplies
Studies have linked PFAS contamination to a range of serious health issues, particularly in communities with long-term exposure to contaminated water. Municipalities whose water systems are affected by AFFF are facing significant health concerns, as exposure to PFAS chemicals has been associated with:
- Kidney Cancer: Research shows a strong correlation between PFAS exposure and an increased risk of kidney cancer.
- Testicular Cancer: PFAS exposure has been linked to a higher risk of testicular cancer, especially in communities with high levels of contamination.
- Liver Cancer: Accumulation of PFAS chemicals in the liver can cause liver damage and lead to a higher likelihood of developing liver cancer.
- Thyroid Disease and Thyroid Cancer: PFAS disrupt the endocrine system, leading to thyroid disorders and increasing the risk of thyroid cancer.
- Ulcerative Colitis: Long-term exposure to PFAS is associated with inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis, which can be both painful and difficult to treat.
These health impacts place a significant burden on residents and, in turn, on municipalities that must address growing healthcare needs, public health programs, and the costs of providing clean, safe water. At Keefe Law Firm, we believe that municipalities should not bear the cost of this contamination alone. Our team works with local governments to pursue compensation from the responsible polluters.
How AFFF Contaminates Municipal Water Sources
When AFFF is used during firefighting or training exercises, the foam seeps into the ground and reaches local water sources, contaminating everything from private wells to large municipal water systems. Communities located near military bases, airports, and industrial sites where AFFF is frequently used are especially vulnerable to this contamination.
PFAS chemicals can quickly spread through groundwater and surface water, making them difficult to contain. Municipalities often find that once PFAS have infiltrated water supplies, they are nearly impossible to remove without significant remediation efforts. The environmental persistence and spread of PFAS mean that affected water systems are exposed to long-term health risks and potential litigation. Municipalities need the resources to combat this contamination and safeguard their residents’ health.
Pursuing Legal Action Against Polluters
Municipalities facing PFAS contamination are not alone in this fight. Legal action is one of the most effective ways to hold corporations accountable and secure the funding necessary to clean and restore public water supplies. Keefe Law Firm assists local governments in filing lawsuits against the manufacturers and distributors of AFFF who contributed to this environmental and public health crisis.
Our team is experienced in handling complex environmental litigation cases, and we work closely with municipalities to develop strong cases and seek compensation for:
- Water Treatment and Remediation Costs: Cleaning PFAS from contaminated water systems can be costly and complex. We help municipalities recover the resources needed to implement effective filtration and cleanup methods.
- Public Health Monitoring: Communities affected by PFAS contamination may need ongoing medical monitoring and public health initiatives to track and manage health impacts related to exposure.
- Economic Damages: PFAS contamination can have far-reaching effects on a community’s economy, from property values to healthcare costs. We work to secure compensation that addresses the financial toll on the municipality and its residents.
Why Keefe Law Firm?
With over 20 years of experience in environmental and personal injury law, Keefe Law Firm is committed to defending the health and well-being of communities affected by corporate negligence. Our attorneys have the skills and resources needed to stand up against big polluters and pursue the maximum compensation available. We understand the importance of clean water for the health and safety of your community, and we are ready to fight on your behalf.
Contact Keefe Law Firm for a Free Consultation
If your municipality’s water supply has been contaminated by PFAS from AFFF, it’s crucial to act now to protect your residents and hold polluters accountable. Keefe Law Firm is here to provide the legal support and guidance your municipality needs. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you secure the resources required to restore your water supply and safeguard the health of your community. Together, we can fight for justice and ensure that those responsible for PFAS contamination face the consequences of their actions.
Get in touch
Speak with an attorney today and get a free,
confidential case evaluation.
